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Match Report: "Lucky" Ajax salvage point at home

	Cedric van der Gun battles with Joris Mathijsen of Willem II. [source: ANP]

12 February: Before the game, there was much to celebrate this Sunday: Ajax played its 1500th match since the advent of professional soccer in Holland, Ajax wonder-kid Van der Vaart turned eighteen, and even the Arena pitch witnessed its 25th re-birth in its best form ever.

But the most important thing of the day couldn't be celebrated: a victory. After a very poor match from Ajax, the team could only celebrate a point on a day when defeat would have seemed more likely.

Thanks to an outstanding game by Fred Grim, Ajax had only one goal scored against them. The often criticized keeper was Ajax' only shining star of the day. As early as the 7th minute he was called upon to prevent an early goal.

Ajax' Christopher Kanu was unconvincing in his assumed position at left back, allowing Willem II's Sjoekov to cross dangerously to Sanou in great scoring position. But Grim saved his shot. A few minutes later Grim again prevented Sanou from scoring as the Tilburg striker got another great chance, now via Caluwé.

Willem II head coach Hans Westerhof knew better than anybody else how to deal with this Ajax side. The former head of Ajax youth academy (and last season interim head coach of Ajax 1) knew that the weakness in the defense would come from youngster Kanu.

Westerhof: "If you play against Ajax, you shouldn't give Chivu too much space. His play always forms a threat." So Chivu got extra cover and the players of Willem II gave Kanu all kinds of freedom to build up the attacks. From Willem II's perspective, this turned out very well, since it reduced the pace of the Ajax play.

And when Willem II possessed the ball, they didn't give Kanu much freedom, with wingers Sjoekov and Ceesay making things extremely difficult for the Ajax backs Kanu and Tim De Cler. Westerhof's tactics worked perfectly, resulting in a string of great chances on attack. Although Ajax had more ball possession, it was Willem II who were the far more dangerous team. But strangely enough, Willem II needed a dead ball situation to score. Arts crossed a free kick to Ceesay who easily brushed Galasek aside and scored the deserved 0-1 goal. (23')

Again in the second half, Willem II was the team with the most dangerous opportunities. Ceesay had an open run of the field on the right side, and Sanou had several good chances to score the second goal. One of his finest moments was a lob over Chivu which placed him right in front of Grim. But the Ajax goalie reacted superbly once again.

Ajax didn't create nearly as many real chances themselves. Even the equalizer needed a bit of help from Willem II. Wamberto overtook his marker and slid a low cross toward Machlasn in front of goal. But before the Greek even had a chance to think about scoring, Willem II defender Mathijsen touched the ball which went into his own goal. (59')

Ajax should be relieved to come away with one point, especially considering the fact that Vitesse had an even worse result. Ajax' main rival for third position lost 3-0 at RKC. Ajax can't really complain about the recent results of the Arnhemmers. Despite their victory over Ajax in the Amstel Cup, Vitesse have suffered a couple of bad results in a row: in their last five league games, Vitesse has gathered only two points.

And with that, Ajax now has a better chance of finishing third this season than they had before; a position which gives them the right to play qualifying matches for the Champions League.

Recently, Co Adriaanse stated that he would rather not play those qualifying matches since they'll ruin his preparation for next season. He would rather end up fourth. However, there's no doubt that the players, the Ajax board (i.e. the treasurer) and most importantly the impatient supporters think totally differently about that. (BV)

GOALS

• 23' 0-1 Jatto Ceesay
• 59' 1-1 Joris Mathijsen (o.g.)

Referee: Luinge
Yellow cards: Chivu (Ajax), Caluwé (Willem II)
Attendance: 35,500
Ajax line-up: Grim,Kanu, Pasanen, Chivu, De Cler, Galásek, Arveladze, Van der Vaart, Van der Gun, Machlas, Wamberto (83. Hersi).
Willem II line-up: De Vlieger, Jaliens, Van Nieuwstadt, Victoria, Mathijsen (89. Van Steenveldt), Landzaat, Arts (70. Abdellaoui), Caluwé, Ceesay, Sanou, Sjoekov (57. Mariana).